Republicans who've been chanting "repeal and replace" since Thursday's Supreme Court ruling that upheld the Affordable Care Act are having a tough time defining the "replace" part of their mantra.
When the nation's top Republican in the U.S. Senate, Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), was asked three times (on Fox News Sunday) yesterday about the 30 million uninsured Americans who will be covered under Obamacare, he declared "that's not the issue." Watch the video:
"You don't think 30 million Americans are uninsured is an issue?" host Chris Wallace asked.
"We're not going to turn the American health care system into a Western European system," McConnell responded, avoiding the question.
That exchange was part of a parade of Sunday show appearances in which Republicans said what they are NOT going to do about the uninsured.
House Speaker John Boehner admitted on Sunday's Face The Nation that Obamacare has come good parts, but "has to be ripped out by its roots."
Watch the video:
On This Week with George Stephanopoulos, Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) said Obamacare should be repealed because "our rights come from nature and God," not the government. Watch the video:
These are just the latest and clearest examples that the Republicans really have no desire to solve the health care issue for millions of Americans. And Ed is fired up about it!
Catch Ed's take tonight on The Ed Show on MSNBC with Howard Fineman, NBC News Political Analyst and Editorial Director of the Huffington Post Media Group.
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What is the issue then Sen McConnell? You are a dangerous man in a position of power and influence who for the better good of this great nation should step down. You have done nothing to help this country the past 3 1/2 years except be a obstructionist...You are a disgrace to this country.
http://www.motherjones.com/mojo/2012/06/obamacare-supreme-court-regular-americans
1) Insurance companies can no longer impose lifetime coverage limits on your insurance. Never again will you face the risk of getting really sick and then, a few months in, having your insurer tell you, "Sorry, you've 'run out' of coverage." Almost everyone I've met knows someone who had insurance but got really, really sick (or had a kid get really sick) and ran into a lifetime cap.
2) If you don't know someone who has run into a lifetime cap, you probably know someone who has run into an annual cap. The use of these will be sharply limited. (They'll be eliminated entirely in 2014.)
3) Insurers can no longer tell kids with preexisting conditions that they'll insure them "except for" the preexisting condition. That's called preexisting condition exclusion, and it's out the window.
4) A special, temporary program will help adults with preexisting conditions get coverage. It expires in 2014, when the health insurance exchanges—basically big "pools" of businesses and individuals—come on-line. That's when all insurers will have to cover everyone, preexisting condition or not.
5) Insurance companies can't drop you when you get sick, either—this plan means the end of "rescissions."
6) You can stay on your parents' insurance until you're 26.
7) Seniors get $250 towards closing the "doughnut hole" in their prescription drug coverage. Currently, prescription drug coverage ends once you've spent $2,700 on drugs and it doesn't kick in again until you've spent nearly $6,200. James Ridgeway wrote about the problems with the doughnut hole for Mother Jones in the September/October 2008 issue. Eventually, the health care reform bill will close the donut hole entirely. The AARP has more on immediate health care benefits for seniors. Next year (i.e., in nine months), 50 percent of the doughnut hole will be covered.
8) Medicare's preventive benefits now come with a free visit with your primary care doctor every year to plan out your prevention services. And there are no more co-pays for preventative services in Medicare.
9) This is a big one: Small businesses get big tax credits—up to 50 percent of premium costs—for offering health insurance to their workers.
10) Insurers with unusually high administrative costs have to offer rebates to their customers, and every insurance company has to reveal how much it spends on overhead.
UPDATE: Here's one more big benefit we've found out about since the ACA passed:
Ifor1-
Disagree with your statement. McConnell has been in the senate for 28 years, without proposing a single piece of legislation in all that time. His sole job is to block Democratic bills. He has been an obstructionist for 28 years, not 3 1/2.
I stand corrected The Real Chris....
Don't forget that the Republicans want to mess or get rid of Medicaid. Well, don't forget that this doesn't affect only Hospitals, it also affects millions of people in Nursing Home. Don't know if you're familiar, but people have to spend down ALL the money they have left (if any) and once they have run out, then Medicaid takes over. If they get rid of Medicaid, millions of children who have Moms or Dads in a Nursing Home would be in dire straights and would have to bring their parents back to live with them and then have someone come into your home to take care of them, and that's very expensive! Of course, the RICH people don't give a d m about us little people! They are the ME, MYSELF, & I party.
Right on, Moonlight Lady! McConnell says we have the best health care system, well he sure does, all on tAX payers! Republicans, with the exception of Nixon, have never tried to fix the system because it helps a lot of folks who aren't rich and those are not their people. People need to get riled up and vote, we can't let them back into further gut programs and give more tax breaks to those that don't need it and are doing little to give back to this country!
They do not want us to have affordable health care as the Mitch McConnels of this country are owned by the big insurance companies. Meanwhile, they have the best insurance coverage money can buy, as government employees.
Their aim is to throw 30 million out of health care and the rest of the millions of us under the bus. They care only for their rich owners. Period.
There are people in America today making a staggering, third world country type income of $2.00 A DAY. The GOP worry that these people are taking advantage of the government and the Ryan budget wants to take more from these people. When I saw this statistic, I thought it was India, not the USA! Yet it is true, and 130% MORE people here now live on $2.00 a day. Then they want to take more from them?
My question is: WHAT? What is left to take?
WTF is going on in their right-wing minds?? Has our country gone mad? I mean, this is MADNESS!
Good luck trying to get elected promising to throw 30 million people off their health insurance. I think it's great that they're saying this. More for Romney to try and explain.
Chris, They are now showing ads saying that Obamacare is the biggest tax hike on the middle class in history, Courtesy of Americans For Prosperity. That is a big lie and they know it!
Prosperity for the few: Them. That' the Koch brother's organization, isn't it?
God, they make me so sick.
I wonder if the AHA will cover it?
Actualy theres about 12 taxes in it. The 10% tanning tax is one that is one of the craziest (thats like a tax on only fair skinned americans). So its not a lie saying that its going to be a tax hike on the middle class. That is actualy true, also if the big business decide to pay the penalty instead of offering insurance to its employees, that will put working people in the exchanges are either they will have to pay the freeloader tax (even though they are working full time). I think the differnce between the repuks and the dems is the dems favor big gov and the repuks want less gov. Basicaly the repuks want what the people that fought in the revolutionary war wanted . The dems want it to be like England or at least thats what it looks like to me.
Republicans don't want smaller government, you'd have to be an idiot to fall for line.
Anti-abortion legislation
anti-gay marriage
patriot act
even larger military force
none of those is small government and the GOP supports all of them, that is when they're not trying to rewrite history to claim the founders wanted the theocracy they champion
name all 12 taxes
tanning tax is an increased user fee similar to those on booze and cigarettes
big business will not decide to not offer insurance because they don't factor into to this, we're talking about individuals not groups.....corporations are not people
people will pay the penalty not companies, you should be smart enough to see the difference
even if they did you display your lack of knowledge on what the bill has otherwise you'd know there will be government and private sector negotiation to develop exchanges specifically to offer less expensive options for workers. it is the gop that wants to leave the workers out in cold with no help....but then again I'm sure you also believe people with insurance will have to the penalty so this probably a waste of time
"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."
"To save a dime, I spent a dollar."
The obvious argument to the ACA is that it costs too much. But, if properly implemented, I see it as saving money. There is a much higher success rate to treating stage 1 cancer than stage 4. Diabetes, heart disease, virtually all disease that progresses to a worsening condition is easier to treat at the onset. Now I must wonder if a decided lack of compassion and empathy for your fellow man is a disease. For this I fear there is no treatment or cure.
McConnell says 30million uninsured is NOT the issue. Boehner wouldn't know common sense if it bit his behind. Ryan-Our rights come from God and Nature? Then WHY are rupublicans so addament about taking and restricting as many rights from people as they can get away with? I don't think Ryan actually beleives in the constitution either.
If Obamacare had been called bushcare, it would have been the next best thing to sliced bread.
I hope McConnel, Boehner and Ryan are all voted out of office ASAP!
Xena,22, Yeah, our only hope of a decent, moral, recognizable country is if we get them all out. They are after an Oligarchy where the wealthy have absolute power. That is their goal: a New World Order where the 1% rule absolutely!
They see the constitution as an impediment to power. They are beyond corrupt. They are amoral. They are evil.
They worship the writer, Ayn Rand. She is a Russian communist atheist; a very strange person. Not what I'd call a moral compass!
The GOP has never and will never support a decent health care plan or a decent health care future. They are the emptiest suits and emptiest corporate thugs against most Americans. Too bad they have failed with the Supreme Court and now have to keep telling lies that most people will find hateful and unChristian in every way.
come on guys. quit whining.
repubs HAVE to destroy the bill, so there is nothing of "ObamaCare" left.
everything this President tries to do must be destroyed completely, invalidated, blown up, "ripped out by its roots".
just let people be sick and die.
this is a winning solution repubs think. they should keep doing it.
Yep.
Romney/NoHealthCare 2012
Chris, Romney's slogan should be, Freedom For All....... but in the small letters, the disclaimer:
Freedom to be turned down for health insurance due to a preexisting condition. The freedom to lose your home and go bankrupt over a lingering illness. The freedom to be elderly, disabled, or poor with no safety nets. The freedom to go hungry if you can't afford to buy food and the Ryan budget takes away your food stamps. The freedom to carry and raise a child of rape or incest. The freedom to vote if you have the proper voter ID. The freedom to be homeless in the richest country in the world. The freedom for returning vets to wait years for their benefits. The freedom to see your children walk and play on a police free street. The freedom to breathe dirty air and drink contaminated water.
They believe in giving people freedom, all right!
Republicans not only want to throw 30 million people under the bus, they want to drive it over them, too.
Yes, Chris. Did I mention the freedom to work in a union free country where the corporations make all thee rules?
You are free to be unemployed if you don't like the rules of the corporation.
To the GOP, Freedom's just another word for nothin' left to lose.
If all Americans doesn't deserve health care, then all of Congress should recend their benefits.
Republicans could shut up. That would help with air pollution.
I hope AMERICAN will wake up, vote all these DUMB Senators and REP. out of office state and Federal. McConnel, Boehner and Ryan and take their Ins and Retirement. Dumb Ass.
Mitch McConnell was getting some tough questions from Fox News for a change. He had no answer to anything regarding caring if anyone but the wealthy have health insurance. It is so easy to despise the selfishness and evil that has overtaken the GOP in our government.
It's also interesting that the worst thing he could say about it was that it was like "Western European" healthcare. That's code to the teaparty that Obama's not an American.
I think a few people on Fox are finally getting totally fed up with Republicans. They've been so assinine for so long, it's hard NOT to get fed up with them!
This is not a tax on the middle class. It is a tax on anyone who refuses to buy health care when they can well afford it. It only applies to 1% of the population.
That 1% who would choose to pay a penalty instead of purchasing insurance is probably that same 1% who is the wealthiest in this nation. Those who actually can't afford insurance, would probably give their right arm for it! Thank God, President Obama included subsidies to help them. The republicans think, the poor, the middle class, students and seniors do not deserve health insurance.
Great grand, The Republicans believe in FREEDOM. Like the FREEDOM to be turned down for health insurance. The FREEDOM to go bankrupt over an illness.
The Freedom to go hungry in the richest country in America.
They're a freedom loving bunch, all right!
"Patient Centered Care" a Frank Luntz empty slogan that will NOT work with the public. Maybe Frank and the GOP leaders need to read the ACA to learn what is included. They lost and the public won so let's move forward. 30 million Americans without health insurance cannot wait. Now it the time. Especially since the GOP has NO solutions. If we didn't have the ACA, more of us in the next few years would not be able to afford coverage due to escalating costs. The conservatives without consciences are once again showing how truly selfish these people are. They should have healthcare insurance which we pay for and too bad if others do not have the same benefits.
They don't care what's in it. They just don't want to let Obama win anything.
I can't decide who I detest the most, McConnell, Ryan or Boehner. At this moment I think the Turtle has a slight lead. I just hate that little smirk he gets on his face when he's trying to tear the Dems down.
Not having health care is not an issue.......according to the wrong wing weepublicans.
Their only response is to blame the vegistables.
What do The Weeper, Eddie Munster and The Turtle care if we have insurance? They have their Cadillac healthcare with the government. I guess they figure the ones that would die by the side of the road would be Dems, because the rich Repubs can pay for their own policy. That way there are less Dems to vote. If they can't beat us any other way, they'll just kill us off!
I always thought McConnell looked like a chipmunk carved out of wood.
Nah, we have a concensus on a turtle! You're outvoted. LOL
Freakin' democracy! I'll fight this to the Supreme Court!
you guys are right on....oh my ribs....
those 3 you mention remind me of the scorpion asking the frog for a ride across the pond. scorpion stings the the frog and they both drown. frog asked before they drowned, what ya sting me for, now we are both gonna drown?
couldn't help it said the scorpion, that's my nature....kinda like the tea party and the GOP...............
Don't bring MORE animals into this! It's confusing enough trying to keep these idiots straight! LOL
Their just a big freakin' zoo.
Chris~ What gave you the idea I'm a "he"? Would you be assuming? You know what happens when you assume! :)
I think you meant hesback.
Perhaps you assumed something?
Hahahahahahaha! Touché!
No, the one at the bottom, from last night, Jason was railing on me because he thought I was talking about Sandra Fluke wearing glasses. Then he said I must have been talking about SE Cupp and you answered him with a HE was! Remember? Well, anyway I'm a she, just so there's no doubt. ; )
Are you a Mary Jane?
No, but I have three first names. Riddle me this! Ha!
Martha JoAnne Barbara
You don't know how close you are!
MJB, #12, Me, I'm an equal opportunity hater when it comes to the GOP. I hate them all with equal passion.
The multitudes of uninsured aren't the issue? Well they are now. What's your superior plan Mr. McConnell you say repeal and replade people have the right to know what you will "replace" it with. What's the plan man?
Now I know McConnell says he'd like to take things step by step being a half turtle hybrid it makes sense that moving very slowly comforts him but just going back to the old system is not acceptable. That will be years of wasted time with no real compensation and will be as much a failure for the republican record as the democrat's record.
I thought it was lovely to see him pivot to Romney on the "fees" issue in massachusetts. The turtoise points to the hare, but the problem is Romney doesn't have an explanation for that either. The GOP has continually put out things like this which many in america interpret as callous, playing further into the narrative that the Republican party is about the wealthy as opposed to the common man. This is a huge problem which they should address whether they find it true or not, ignoring it does not help.
Is the "turtleman" married and if so I feel sorry for the children (if he has any). I have but one word "HEARTLESS".
Mary Ellen~ Addison Mitchell McConnell Jr was married to Sherrill Redmon and divorced. In 1993 he married Elaine Chao who was Sec of Labor under GWB. He is the proud father of three daughters, although it didn't say, I'm guessing are from his first wife.
Well, I hope they look like the wife.
The people are not the issue. The only thing that matters
this President has to go!
How I said: "A one term President!!"
Go Obama 2012
You should be a one post commenter.
Come down for now chris I think he's joking, you have to think about it as mitch mcconnell then you can the comedy. Remember since the GOP has no plan and only cares of Obama being a one termer...so it's satire....and to be honest it's comedy whether the person intended that or not
If, after repeating the company line of achieving all the good things (which dissenters seem to consider to be everything except the mandate), one Republican would say, "here is one of the ideas we have for achieving all of this without the mandate . . .", I would accept that they are operating in good faith. However, don't spend two years yelling "Where's his plan?!" (even about things where you know he has a plan and has presented a plan) and then expect voters to listen to you talk about what you are going to do without offering any semblance of a plan to do it. The day members first uttered "repeal an replace" should have been the day members started brainstorming a for replacement.
Hahahahaha. You put "Republican" and "brain" in the same sentence. Hahahahaha.
The only things that need to be Ripped out by the Roots, are these idiots, they've Played and Clowned around for the last 3 years and done nothing meaningful and it Shows, I hope the people in their districts have had enough of them, and get someone in there that will address REAL ISSUES that are a WIN WIN for ALL no matter what economic situation you're in. VOTE DEM 2012 !!!
Boehner's tanning bed needs to be ripped out by the roots.
It is really sad that the Republicans are so heartless. Shame on McConnell. This man needs to go. He is so very hateful.
The Republicans are definitely HEARTLESS! They are also LIARS! Everything they comment on any issues, they always have to lie about it. And, as we can all see, the Republicans can't even win fairly. The only way that can win the election is by cheating; such as, trying to purge voting lists and insisting on ID cards that they know they can't get on time or shortening the voter days and hours. They know they can't win on their on volition, so they have to cheat!!!
To Ed Schultz! Please try to get the President to use visual effects to demonstrate all the various items in the ACA. A picture is worth 1,000 words right? No matter how much you say what's in the bill, people don't retain everything he says. I notice that a lot of people say they don't know what's in the Bill. I have heard President Obama say what's in the Bill for a long time. Therefore, I don't understand how some people don't know what's in it. PLEASE, PRESIDENT OBAMA, USE VISUAL AIDS so people can retain all the good things that are in Obama Care(s)!!!
Here it is, if you're still looking:
http://theincidentaleconomist.com/wordpress/obamacare-is-the-biggest-tax-increase-in-history-if-you-ignore-history/
Tonight my son called me and told me he is having excruciating pains in his arm and cannot use it. He was very scared. He has no insurance and asked me what he should do. It hurts so much to know, that once again, he will have to either pay rent or try to find a doctor he can go to. I have seen this scenario so many times with my children, it is absolutely heartbreaking. If any person denies medical care to another, but yet they and their children can go, they are no better then the evilest man on earth. To say you are pro-life, but choose to let my child hurt, is sickening. How many have died or lost a limb, breasts, or their eyesight for lack of insurance? Yet, McConnell makes sure he goes, as well as his family. Every man or woman that has insurance, should walk into a hospital in pain, and tell them they have none and see what happens. Walk in our shoes to see what life is like with no health care, housing, food or even a decent pair of glasses to see with. They will be taken care of when the day comes they die, for the God I believe in, will hold them responsible for every life they hurt and allowed to die for their greed. It is not about money, because if it was, then they could do away with the billions they spend on corporate welfare. They also should NOT get insurance from the taxpayers, but should buy their own on the open market. McConnell will not be able to, as he has a pre-existing condition of hate and stupidity. Now, I shall spend the evening worrying about my child and hoping he will not lose his arm due to not having health care. Republicans have no compassion or decency in their bodies at all, and for every child or mother that dies due to lack of health care, I wish the pain to triple in size and enter their souls, and the souls of their children, for eternity
If they would abolish corporate personhood, and force politicians to NOT accept lobby monies that fill their portfolio's very well we could get back to a Nation for The People----Because CORP.s are NOT PEOPLE.
The ONLY reason the ACA is 'unpopular' with American voters is that IT DID NOT CONTAIN A PUBLIC OPTION. PERIOD! If it had, Americans would have EMBRACED IT just as they do MEDICARE!!!
all repubs need to be castrated so that none of their moronic genes pass on into the future.
Par for the course America, and, no, I do not golf, can't afford it.
The big question is where are we going to get enough doctors to cover these 30 miilion people. We can look at Mass as an example people are having to wait months to see a doctor. In England if you have cancer and need a procedure that will extend your life they denie it. Of course if your rich you can pay for your care. It sounds wonderful 30 million people have health insurance card. However having a card and actualy seeing a doctor are 2 differnt things. Take it from somone who uses the VA its frusrating as hell.
"In England if you have cancer and need a procedure that will extend your life they denie it."
Yeah, like the way they let Stephen Hawking wither away and die. . . Oh wait, that's what would happen in this country because of his pre-existing conditions. Thanks for spreading the myth of our for profit system.
"Of course if your rich you can pay for your care."
There is no private for profit health care in England. They must be really rich, because they're leaving the country to get this health care that they can pay for.
"Take it from somone who uses the VA its frusrating as hell."
Yes, using an underfunded system can be very frustrating. Blame Republicans for that, not the concept of universal health care.
CNN had a special the other night and they interviewed one of the the head people dont remember who he was. He plainly told the reporter that everybody is covered but not everything. Unfortunaly the cancer thing was one that wasnt covered. Even in Mass with a smaller poplulation people are having to wait months to get an appointment. The VA is already like that and if you live in a rural area like me its 80 miles one way 160 round trip. Were adding 30 million people how many doctors are we adding? Yes it wonderful to have a heath care card, but we will just have to see how it plays out. Hopefuly everybody will get care even if you need a procedure that will only let you live another 6 months.